title: Diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) in the plasma of pediatric and adult epileptic patients.
abstract: The polypeptide diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) displays epileptogenic activity by binding to benzodiazepine receptors. We analyzed DBI concentrations in the plasma of pediatric and adult epileptic patients, as a possible peripheral marker in epilepsy. DBI plasma concentrations are significantly higher (+ 62%, P < 0.001) in adult patients and slightly but significantly higher (+15%, P < 0.01) in pediatric patients, compared to age-related controls. Strikingly, plasma DBI is much higher (+81%, P < 0.001) in generalized epilepsy in adults and in drug-resistant pediatric and adult patients. Based on these findings, plasma DBI may be considered as a peripheral biological marker of epilepsy and, in association with lymphocyte benzodiazepine receptor density, of anticonvulsant drug responsiveness.
authors.affiliation: Scientific Institute E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy. carlofer@imiucca.csi.unimi.it
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferrarese
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cogliati
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tortorella
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zucca
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bogliun
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Beghi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Passoni
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zoia
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Begni
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Airoldi
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Alho
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Frattola
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D026261:Diazepam Binding Inhibitor; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D026261:Diazepam Binding Inhibitor